Invited for interview for primary ed degree.. any tips??

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Yup I got two interviews at two different unis to study for a Primary Education degree.

They require candidates to prepare a presention and then interview. I'm really stressed and nervous about this, and to top it off I haven't a clue what to say in either presentation or interview. Any help ect would be appreciated.

lethal_2

try monster.com they have excellent interview questions on their + ask on their forum

morganb

Go to the Times Educational website; https://www.tes.co.uk
Might have a couple of articles to read up on to give you background info into current / new iniatives etc.
I would however just recommend you relax, be yourself and show that you want to work with children!
Good luck

xxisabellexx

Hey, I had to go for an interview last year for a Primary Education degree, i may not be able to help as i didnt have to do any presentation, but I'll tell you what happened in mine anyway, it might help!

There were some talks (general uni stuff, bit about the course etc)to begin with, then we had to correct a small piece of writing by a child with correct spelling, punctuation etc, then we had to write 300 words (approx could have been 500, sorry it was last year!) about why our chosen specialist subject was important to education. Then it was half for campus tours and half for interviews. The interview is the scariest part, the man i had was really nice though, they ask you why you want to be a teacher, why you have chosen this route. Asked some questions about my personal statement, more interested in the work experience in schools than anything else Id done tbh. I think they have to ask you about current education news as well, the Times Educational Supplement is good for that.
I got loads of paperwork/advice etc in the post from the university which outlined what would happen, that was quite helpful.

Anyway, if youve got anymore questions, feel free to ask, i might be able to help, other than that, Good Luck!! xx

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thanks, those websites will prove helpful, it's whether my brain remembers it all lol.

Yes both interviews require presentations. 1 is 2 mins long, and the other is 5 mins long. Must be a new thing they've introduced, because other than that, it's the same, correct a passage of work, and answer some maths questions.

It's going to be a long day.

haribo27

Hello! Im a 3rd yr primary ed student. I went to interviews at 4 unis. They really arent as scary as you think!!! I had to do a couple of group ones, but the groups were never larger than 4. Dont be afraid to talk, the worst thing is when they ask a question and evryone just sits there silently, but dont dominate. Show you have good people skills. Also try and show you have a personality and are interesting - some of the people I was up against were as dull as ditch water. I got offers from all 4 so I cant have gone too wrong!!! If you have applied to Chrictchurch (where I go) I'll just warn you thye are the most disorganised uni ever!

Topics that are hot in education at the moment - inclusion, Every Child Matters, are we testing children too much? To be honest you can find most topics in the broad sheets - theres constantly reports on the education system.

Hope that helps.

haribo27

Also teachernet is a good website or try https://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk these are in all teachers favourites.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thank You. I'll certainly check those out. I have heard things on the radio regarding the testing of children and the intent to scrap it.

The interviews are at Durham and Northumbria University. ! at the end of Jan and the other the first week of Feb. So at least I have enough time to prepare. I have an appointment to see the college student advisor.

Savvy_Sue

A general tip on presentations: if you've got a free choice, choose well. Something you know lots about, and other people might not, is good. Try to go for something memorable.

For example, a good friend had to do a presentation for a job as a dental educator (going round schools and playgroups and talking about how important it is to look after your teeth). She choose to do her presentation on headlice, a subject with which she had an intimate acquaintance, the kind you only get when you have 3 children in primary school ...

What they look like, different methods of treatment etc.

She got the job. She said by the end of her presentation it was hard to keep herself from scratching and the interview panel were scratching, I'm itching now just telling you about it! But they will NEVER forget that presentation, and you want to be memorable ...

Take time to practice in front of the mirror or a good friend as well. We all tend to speak too fast. Direct your voice to the back row, don't shout but make sure you're articulating clearly. You'll feel a prat, but better a prat than inaudible on the day. And a friend will spot your funny little ways: hopping from foot to foot, saying "Right" at the start of every sentence, things like that.

And make sure that your visual aids are in line with what they ask you to do. If they say they'll give you a flip chart, don't arrive with a powerpoint presentation on CD ...

PS Durham's a lovely city! But if you're interviews are there and Northumbria, I guess you know that!

the_devil_made_me_do_it

The Durham presentation is " what learning means to me", the Northumbria one is a surprise when we get there

Thanks for the tips tho' :beer:

haribo27

Make eye contact, its a big thing for teachers. They like it, shows your engaging!